New Grad Program, Not Meeting Goals

Nurses Professionalism

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New Grad Program, Not Meeting Goals

I have a questions for someone who is in managerial role. I am just wondering the reason behind my manager actions.

I am a new grad. I just finished the last shift with my preceptors. I made some repeated medical errors. I have no excuses for them--I made those errors. I really have no regrets because I showed up for every shift, willing to work hard. I just made errors. I am learning, and making fewer errors. I have come to the end of my preceptorship. The first meeting, we came up with some goals to meet, and I was extended 3 shifts. I requested a new preceptor. They accommodated. I got a new preceptor. After the 3-shift extension, I still made some med errors. We had another meeting. They pointed out that I showed improvement, but still did not meet some goals. I agree. The next part is what puzzling me.

They asked me to write a reflection on why I did not meet and what can they (the managers, educators) do to help me fix those problems so that they can come up with a plan. I was suspended. From the sound of it, I feel like they didn't want me on the floor because I was unsafe. I even ask them is there even a point for all this? I mean, if they terminate me, I'll just leave. I think I made that clear to them. So, why all this writing about reflection and making a plan to address my shortcomings? 

Anyone know why? Thank you!

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Sounds like they want you to reflect on what is causing the errors and what might be the best way to help you overcome the issue. They may feel they have tried everything they can think of and feel the answer can only come from you. It seems like they still want to salvage the situation, but really need your input on how to make you a safe nurse.

 

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PresentPerfect said:

 I mean, if they terminate me, I'll just leave. I think I made that clear to them. So, why all this writing about reflection and making a plan to address my shortcomings?  

Anyone know why? Thank you!

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Yes, of course you will leave if they terminate you for not meeting the expectations. You won't have any other options. I'm not sure what you mean by making it clear to them that you'll "just leave."

In any case, the reason to ask you reflect about your errors is so that you (through writing it out) or they (through reviewing what you wrote) might notice something that could be tweaked to help you succeed. Maybe they are trying to figure out if this is more a character issue and not something they can easily tweak. It sounds like they aren't sure whether to invest more time/money into your training or to cut their losses. Maybe they want to see how you respond to help them make a decision.

Don't you think this is sort of a valuable activity? Even if they do terminate you, would you like to make the same mistakes at your next job, or might it be better to reflect and try a few things to improve?

Good luck ~

 

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JKL33 said:

Yes, of course you will leave if they terminate you for not meeting the expectations. You won't have any other options. I'm not sure what you mean by making it clear to them that you'll "just leave."

I meant I wouldn't try to fight the decision of termination--I'll just leave. I want to part ways amicably.

I have always learned and grown more from difficult situations. This situation is no difference. So, of course, I have learned a lot from this situations after reflection. It has been a valuable lesson. I apologize for not including all the nuances and minute details. It is not my intention to come across ungrateful of this experience and opportunity they have given me. In facts, I did state my gratitude to them in both meetings.

Most importantly, I'm grateful for your replies and thoughtful input. Thank you.

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PresentPerfect said:

I meant I wouldn't try to fight the decision of termination--I'll just leave. I want to part ways amicably.

I have always learned and grown more from difficult situations. This situation is no difference. So, of course, I have learned a lot from this situations after reflection. It has been a valuable lesson. I apologize for not including all the nuances and minute details. It is not my intention to come across ungrateful of this experience and opportunity they have given me. In facts, I did state my gratitude to them in both meetings.

Most importantly, I'm grateful for your replies and thoughtful input. Thank you.

I'm very sorry you're having a tough time.  Hang in there!

Most employers, if they really want to terminate you, will just do it.  I agree w/ the others:  seems they're seeing if there might be something else which may help you succeed as a new grad nurse which they may have overlooked.

Employers really put a lot of money in when hiring new employees.  They really do want people to work out as it takes a lot of time and effort for setting up interviews, background checks, training, etc..

Definitely do the reflection and also add in there, that you really do enjoy working w/ their group/floor.  Only you may know what may help you.  You can certainly put this down in the reflection; of course, it's up to management to decide whether it's a reasonable request or not.

I wish the best of luck to you!

 

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I agree that they are trying to salvage the situation and see if there is something missing that they can do that will make things click for you. That being said I worry about how cavalier you sound about your errors. I just finished precepting a new grad and although there were definitely things he could have improved with more experience, and he needed guidance, but I would say I only would have considered *maybe* 3 things he did to be medical errors. And he was a very typical new grad. 
 

Having so many errors means there is something going wrong, badly. 

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